Golf ball rake-retriever



A. T. zAGwYN K 3,3,65

GOLF BALL BAKE-RETRIEVER Feb. 2, E9?

Filed July 28, 1965 2 SheffS-SheejV l A, T. zAGwYN 3,306,650

GOLF BALL RME,RETRIEVER4 Feb. 28, 1967 Filed July 28, 1965 2 sheets-sheet 2 mw. fw

E 3447"" "afgin l" faz 3,306,650 Patented Feb. 28, 1967 United States Patent Utilice 3,306,650 GGLF BALL RAKE-RETRIEVER Anthony T. Zagwyn, Delavan, Wis., assigner to A .I Industries Corporation, Delavan, Wis., a corporation of Wiscousin n Filed July 28, 1965, Ser. No. 475,497 3 Claims. (Cl. 294-24) The present invention relates to golf ball retrieving devices and more particularly to a golf ball rake and retriever.

It is an object of the invention to provide a lightweight and compact golf ball retriever particularly suitable for carrying and employment by an individual golfer.

It is another object of the invention to.v provide a golf ball retrieving device for easily retrieving a golf ball from tall grass, wateror ground obstacles, traps, etc.

It is a further. object of the invention to provide a low cost golf ball retrieving device which selectively functions as either a ball netting apparatus or as'a golf ball rake, in which selection .of function is Vsimply and rapidly accomplished by the golfer.

It is a more specic object of the invention to provide a golf ball retrieving device having a plurality of lingers which in one function are spread to .form an effective golf ball rake, yet which fingers are quickly and easily closed to function as a golf ball retaining net or basket.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent rfrom the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective View of anexemplary golf ball retriever embodying thepfeatures of the present invention, shown employed in a rake position; v

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the golf ball retriever of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the golf ball retriever of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the golf ball retriever of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional View taken along the line 6 6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7 7 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a vperspective view of the golf ball retriever of FIGS. 1-7, shown employed in a golf ball netting or retrieving position;

FIG. 9 is a bottom View of the golf ball retriever of FIGS. 1-8, in the position shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the golf ball retriever of FIGS. 1-9 in the position of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is aperspectiverview of the base member of the golf ball retriever of FIGS. 1-11; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective View of the housing member of the golf ball retriever of FIGS. 1-11.

The exemplary golf ball rake and retriever disclosed herein includes basically an elongate handle to which is xed a selective apparatus having a plurality of forked rake tines extending therefrom, which tines are movable from a substantially spread-apart rake position to a closely spaced position in which they provide, in combination with a member of the selective apparatus, a golf ball retaining basket. A dual purpose golf retrieving device is thereby provided, which device may be quickly and easily changed from a golf ball rake to a golf ball retrieving basket.

Referring now to the drawings, the exemplary golf ball retriever illustrated therein is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. Briey describing the general relationships of this exemplary structure, a base 12, individually illustrated in FIG. 12, is secured to an elongated telescoping handle 14. A housing 16, individually illustrated in FIG. 13, is slidably mounted over the base 12 and has secured thereto a plurality of extending rake tines 1S. A lever assembly 20 is pivotally secured to the housing 16 and provides a camming action against the base 12 so as to move the housing 16 with respect to the base 12. The sides of cam slots 22 in the base 12 cause the rake tines 18 to pivot as the housing 16 is moved. Accordingly, as the lever assembly is rotated into a position overlying the rake tines 18, the rake tines 18 close toward one another into a mutually closely spaced configuration underlying an aperture portion 24 of the lever assembly 20 and thereby defining a golf ball retaining basket.

Considering now in greater detail the retriever 10, the handle 14 may be of any suitable construction and material. It is preferably of -a multiple-section telescoping tubular aluminum construction so as to provide a lightweight handle of a substantial length suitable for retrieving golf balls from remote locations.

The base 12, as may be seen from FIG. 12, may be constructed from a single shaped piece of sheet metal or other suitable material, in which appropriate apertures are formed. A pair of apertures 26 may be provided for receiving rivets 28 securing the base 12 to the end of the handle 14. As may be seen in FIG. 6, 10 or 12, for example, the rivets 28 preferably extend substantially yabove the base 12. This is provided by the placement of rivet spacers or washers 30 under each rivet. This provides a spacing means holding the base 12 away from the housing 16, i.e., the rivet heads provide surfaces upon which the housing 16 may slide in spaced relationship over the base 12.

Referring again to FIG. 12, it will be observed that the base 12 has a generally planar or horizontal surface 32. In the surface 32 there is provided a plurality -of spaced elongated apertures dening the cam slots 22. The sides of the cam slots 22 are adapted to slidably engage the ends of the rake tines 18 to pivot the rake tines into and out of alignment with one another. The base 12 also includes a pair of opposing side extensions 36 upstanding from the horizontal surface 32. Each of the side extensions 36 has an upwardly extending elongate slot 38 therethrough. This slot 38 is adapted to engage with a cam on the lever assembly 20 for the movement of the housJ ing 16 with respect to the base 12.

Considering next the housing 16, as shown in FIG. 13, the housing 16 is generally similar in configuration and construction to the base 12 and is preferably adapted to closely slidably overlie the base 12. Thus the housing 16 preferably has a horizontal surface 40 corresponding to the horizontal surface 32 of the base 12 and adapted to overlie the surface 32 in a closely spaced slidablerelationship. The spacing therebetween is in part maintained bv the extended rivets 25 as describe-d above. Four tabs 42 are adapted to project inwardly over the edges of theside extensions 36 on the base and thereby secure the housing over the base. However, the housing is free to slide axially of the handle 14 and the base.

The housing 16 is adapted for the pivotal mounting thereto of the lever assembly 20. The opposing sides of the housing have protruding apertured segments to accommodate large rivets 44 therethrough the rivets 44 pivotally fasten together the housing and the ends of the lever assembly 20. Radially spaced around each rivet 44 there is preferably provided an approximately 180 degrees semi-circular slot 46. This slot 46 provides an aperture through the housing 16 for the extension ltherethrough and unobstructed movement of a cam on the lever assembly 20.

Preferably the housing 16 is also provided with one integral axially extending central rake tine 48. Since the rake tine 48 is central the other rake tines it does not have to be moved to open the tines into a rake configuration. Thus it may be formed simply as a unitary extension of the housing 16.

Considering all of the rake tines 18 it may be seen that they are preferably narrow, elongated resilient strips of steel or other suitable material, of a configuration providing a highly efficient raking action. The raking characteristics are not compromised or sacrificed to provide the ball netting or retrieving characteristics, as in prior structures. Each rake tine is preferably substantially curved at the free or outer end 49 to a radius somewhat less than that of a golf ball. As may be particularly seen in FIGS. 1 3, when the golf ball receiver 18 is in its raking position the rake tines 18 are spread apart in a radially furcate or forked configuration. In the exemplary structure two pivotable rake tines are provided on each side of the central tine 48. The forked configuration provides an efficient raking since the tines rake a substantial total area and are adapted to catch the golf ball and rake it inwardly. Preferably the curved ends 49 of the rake tines are evenly spaced from one another in this position by a distance slightly less than the diameter of a golf ball, so that a golf ball may be raked out of water, weeds or other foreign material while allowing the foreign material to freely pass between the rake tines.

Each of the rake tines 18, other than the central rake tine 48, is preferably pivotally secured to the forward edge of the housing 16 by rivets 50. The inner ends of the rake tines then preferably extend rearwardly for a short distance beyond the rivet 50, thus extending between the housing 16 and the base 12. These inwardly extending ends of the rake tines preferably terminate in angled lugs 52. Each lug 52 is adapted to ride within one of the cam slots 22 in the base 12, and to be radially positioned thereby. The rivets 50 also provide additional points of spacing and slidable engagement between the housing and the base.

The lever assembly 20 preferably provides the operating member for the switching of the apparatus from a rake to a retriever, and also provides cooperation with the rake tines 18 in the retriever operation. Preferably the lever assembly is an elongated generally U-shaped member, with the ends thereof pivotally secu-red to the housing 16 by the rivets 44 as previously described. The ends of the lever assembly preferably extend a short distance radially beyond the center of rotation about each rivet 44. The ends preferably terminate with an inwardly projecting cam 54 extending freely through the semicircular slot 46 in the housing into the elongate vertical slot 38 in the base 12. Rotation of the lever assembly 20 about the rivets 44 rotates the cam 54, which acts against the sides of the slot 38 and thereby forces the housing 16 to slide with respect to the base 12.

It will be obse-rved that the lever assembly 20 is rotatable between two opposite positions. In the retracted position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the lever assembly is rotated away from the rake tines 18 and into alignment with and closely adjacent the handle 14. In this position the lever assembly 2f) is completely out of the way of the rake tines 18 and therefore, does not interfere in any Way with the 4raking action. However, when the leve-r assembly 20 is rotated 180 degrees forward toward the rake tines it is moved into a forward position where it is overlying, and in parallel spaced relationship, with the rake tines. The aperture portion 24 of the lever assembly 20 preferably substantially defines a hoop slightly large-r in internal diameter than the diameter of the golf ball. It may be formed from a loop of heavy wire or other suitable material. This aperture portion 24 preferably is spaced inside the curved ends 49 of the rake tines 18, and spaced above the principal portion of all of the rake tines by a distance approximately equal to one-half the diameter of a golf ball. Accordingly a golf ball is readily retained within the aperture portion by the combined action of the aperture portion 24 and the rake tines 18. Further, the cu-rved ends 49 of the rake tines are so situated as to assist in guiding a golf ball into the aperture portion 24. As may be clearly seen in FIGS. 8 and 10 they extend upwardly around and somewhat above the aperture portion.

The operation of the golf ball retriever 10 from the viewpoint of the individual golfer is very simple and rapid. Pulling the lever assembly 20 to the retracted position allows the device to be used as a highly effective rake, as shown in FIG. l. By rotating the lever assembly 20 into the forward position, which requires little effort, `the device becomes a ball netting retriever as illustrated in FIG. 8.

Considering the operation of the mechanism itself, the only manual operation is that of moving the leve-r assembly 20 between the remote position and the forward position. The lever assembly is the only member which need be directly operated. The movement of the rake tines 18 is accomplished indirectly through a camming operation. As previously described, the cams 54 on the ends of the lever assembly 20 push against the sides of the slots 38 in the base 12 as the lever assembly is Irotated. The reaction on the lever assembly 20 causes the housing to slide with respect to the base, since the lever assembly is pivotally secured Ito the housing. As the housing slides forward over the base the rake tines 18, which are secured to the housing 16, also move forward. This causes the lugs 52 at the end of the rake tines to slide forward in the cam slots 22 in the base. Due to the outwardly slanting configuration of the cam slots 22 the lugs 52 are cammed outwardly, which thereby pivots the rake tines inwardly. Thus as the lever assembly 20 reaches its fully forward position the rake tines 18 are closed together in a mutually closely spaced position. The central fixed `rake tine 48, of course, is not pivoted.

The Width of each of the rake tines 18 is preferably such that in the mutually closely spaced position, the total width thereof is somewhat less than the diameter of the aperture portion 24 of the lever assembly. Accordingly a compact golf ball retriever of minimum profile is provided which may be inserted into ditlicult positions. It will be observed that the device is inverted when used for retrieving as compared to the raking operation. The curved ends 49 of the tines in effect provide resilient runners and fenders which assist in pushing the device through obstructions to successfully retrieve a golf ball.

It may be seen that there has been disclosed herein a novel lightweight golf ball retriever which provides rapidly and conveniently selectable operation as either an efficient golf ball rake or an effective golf ball retriever. Numerous modifications and variations of golf ball retrievers in accordance with the invention will be apparent 'to one skilled in the art, and it is intended to encompass in the following claims all such variations and modifications as fall Within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A golf ball retrieving device, said device comprising:

an elongated handle;

base means mounted to said handle;

a plurality of rake tine means extending from said base means, said rake tine means being movable between a mutually fu-rcate -rake position and a mutually closely spaced position;

and operating means on said base means operable between a first position and a second position;

said operating means when operated into said first position moving said rake tine means into said rake position and when operated into said second position moving said rake tine means into said mutually closely spaced position;

said operating means dening a golf` ball retaining basket with said rake tines in said position.

2. A golf ball retrieving device, said device comprising:

an elongated handle;

a base secured to said handle;

a housing movably mounted to said base;

a plurality of rake tines extending from said housing and pivotable between a mutually furcate position and a mutually closely spaced position;

lever means engaging said base and movable between a retracted position and a forward position;

and camming means operated by said lever means for pivoting said rake tines from said furcate position to said closely spaced position when said leve-r means is moved from said retracted position into said forward position;

said lever means having a golf ball re-ceiving aperture portion dening a golf ball retaining basket with said rake tines in said forward position,

3. A golf ball retrieving device, said device comprising:

an elongated handle;

a base secured to said handle;

a housing slidably mounted over said base;

a plurality of rake tines extending from said housing and pivotable between a mutually radially furcate position and a mutually closely spaced position;

a lever assembly secured t-o said housing and pivotable between a retracted position away from said rake tines and a forward position overlying said rake tines;

said rake tines having arcuate ends extending toward said lever assembly when said lever assembly is in said forward position;

camming means on said lever assembly for engaging and sliding said housing with respect .to said base;

and further camming means on said base engaging and pivoting said rake ltines from said furcate position to said closely spaced position when said lever assembly is pivoted from said retracted position into said forward position;

said lever assembly defining an individual golf ball retaining basket with said rake tines in said forward position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,738,214 3/1956 Zimmers 294-19 3,115,740 12/1963 Hartley 294-19 GERALD M. FORLENZA, Primary Examiner.

G. F. ABRAHAM, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A GOLF BALL RETRIEVING DEVICE, SAID DEVICE COMPRISING: AN ELONGATED HANDLE; BASE MEANS MOUNTED TO SAID HANDLE; A PLURALITY OF RAKE TINE MEANS EXTENDING FROM SAID BASE MEANS, SAID RAKE TINE MEANS BEING MOVABLE BETWEEN A MUTUALLY FURCATE RAKE POSITION AND A MUTUALLY CLOSELY SPACED POSITION; AND OPERATING MEANS ON SAID BASE MEANS OPERABLE BETWEEN A FIRST POSITION AND A SECOND POSITION; SAID OPERATING MEANS WHEN OPERATED INTO SAID FIRST POSITION MOVING SAID RAKE TINE MEANS INTO SAID RAKE POSITION AND WHEN OPERATED INTO SAID SECOND POSITION MOVING SAID RAKE TINE MEANS INTO SAID MUTUALLY CLOSELY SPACED POSITION; SAID OPERATING MEANS DEFINING A GOLF BALL RETAINING BASKET WITH SAID RAKE TINES IN SAID POSITION. 